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RCIA….RITE
OF CHRISTIAN INITATION OF ADULTS
The Rite of
Christian Initiation is the Roman Catholic's official process of
welcoming new members to our faith. It is for you…
- "If
you are a person who has never been Baptized, confirmed, or received
First Eucharist..
- If you are
a person who was Baptized Christian but not Confirmed and did
not receive First Eucharist..
- If you have
been a member of another faith community and now wish to discern
your involvement with a new community.
During this
process individuals who come gather with members of the faith community
to reflect upon the Sunday Scripture readings, grow in understanding
Catholic beliefs and practices, share and listen to faith-stories
and discern the call to a faith community. You are free to leave
the group at any time. Along the journey the faith community celebrates
special liturgical and ritual moments with you. The faith community
promises to support, pray for you and encourage you.
If
you are interested in joining the Catholic Church or participating
as a sponsor or wish further information please contact:
Don Cauley (760) 739-0857 & Church Crandall (760) 749-2644
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| THE
HISTORICAL ROOTS |
| Often
called "the
catechumenate," the- RCIA (formation of adults) or CIC (formation
of children) is a process of faith development and catechetical instruction
which culminates in full membership in the Christian Roman Catholic
community - the reception of the "sacraments of initiation": baptism,
confirmation, and Eucharist. This journey of faith is similar to the
one people made when joining the early Church communities. Today's
revised process, promulgated in 1972, calls on the entire parish community
for involvement and prayerful support. |
| INQUIRY
AND ITS RITE |
CATECHUMENATE
AND ITS RITES |
| During
the first stage in the faith journey, inquirers begin
to form relationships with one another and with their catechists.
Sessions are informal, with life stories shared and curiosities
about "things Catholic" answered. When a decision to continue
in the process is made, inquirers obtain sponsors or godparents
to mentor them along the way. Then, the Rite of Acceptance
Into the Order of Catechumens is celebrated within the community's
Sunday Mass. |
With
the Rite of Acceptance, those who have not been baptized
officially become catechumens, while those who are baptized
become candidates. Now they learn specifics about the
Catholic faith, especially the sacraments. Sessions become more
instructional, with an emphasis on breaking open the Word of
God in the Sunday readings. Several optional rites may be celebrated
during this period which precedes the Season of Lent. |
| LENT
AND ITS RITES |
MYSTAGOGY
AND ITS RITES |
| The
Rite of Election takes place on the first Sunday of Lent.
It is celebrated by the bishop or his representative, and marks
a major transition. Catechumens and candidates now become the
elect, and their names are inscribed in the diocese's Book
of Enrollment. On the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of
Lent, the Rites of the Scrutinies are celebrated at a
Sunday Mass. As Lent draws to a close, the elect will be invited
to participate in a day of reflection and, in the case of those
already- baptized, their first reception of the sacrament of
reconciliation. There may also be a Rite of Preparation before
the Easter Vigil is celebrated. |
The
Rites of Initiation take place at the Easter Vigil, immediately
after the homily. First comes the Liturgy of Baptism, then
the Rite of Confirmation. The elect are now neophytes
(new Catholics). They lead the parish community of Church
to the sacrificial altar/banquet table and receive their first
Eucharist. Neophytes' final stage of preparation, during
the Season of Easter, centers on the practical learning of their
Church's specific ministries and their personal commitment to
at least one of these. |
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